 THE ARMS: Left-hander Hector Mercado, who has played for seven minor-league seasons without receiving appearing in the majors, made his sixth appearance and remained unscored upon in nine innings.

Bobby Munoz, a fresh candidate for the No.5 starting spot, allowed one run and four hits in two innings.

 THE BATS: Tied for third among NL clubs in spring home runs entering the game, the Reds padded their total with blasts from backup outfielders Alex Ochoa and Michael Tucker, each player's first of the exhibition season.

 THE REST: The Reds have lost four of their last five exhibition games and are now 9-11. For what it's worth: NL Central foes Houston (12-5), Chicago (10-5), Pittsburgh (10-5) and St. Louis (10-6) have four of the best five records in the NL.

 UP NEXT: Today against Philadelphia at Sarasota, 1:05 p.m. Mark Portugal will start against Phillies right-hander Robert Person.